USI The Shield November 2021

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM | VOL. 54 ISSUE 2

Graphic by Maliah White | The Shield

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THE SHIELD | NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM

It’s time to talk

BY SHELBY CLARK Editor-in-Chief

I felt drained as I walked back into the Business and Engineering Center for my first class after Fall Break.

I thought I would feel refreshed, but I did not.

Before walking into the class, each of my classmates began to share how burnt out they felt. We were all experiencing the same thing.

We all had overwhelming amounts of homework to complete over Fall Break, and we felt we were struggling with our mental health this semester.

We discussed how we are being told things are “normal,” but we are still living in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Life is not normal.

My friends shared how they are struggling to get up in the morning.

They discussed how they felt like they never have a break from school work, even on the weekends and Fall Break.

We each spent a good portion of our Fall Break working on a large assignment for the same class we were about to enter and felt we had gotten nowhere with it.

We decided to be brave and talk with our professor about how we were feeling. We were honest, and our professor listened to us. She kindly extended the deadline of the large assignment and engaged in a conversation with the class about our mental health.

This powerful experience stuck with me all day.

I thought I was alone, but it turns out, I wasn’t. People care about what we’re going through. We just need to

Photo by Josh Meredith | The Shield A group of friends talk over lunch in University Center West.

be brave enough to talk about what’s pressuring our minds.

Inspired by the importance of talking about the conversations on campus, The Shield created a “Let’s Talk” student survey.

Students could choose from strongly disagree to strongly agree on various statements submitted by members of The Shield staff. In addition, there were optional places where students could explain their opinion.

The survey was emailed in The Shield Source Oct. 28, 2021, shared on The Shield’s Facebook page and in the Facebook class groups and was tabled for by The Shield. The survey closed Nov. 3, 2021. 110 students participated.

It may feel like you’re alone, but you’re not. It’s time to share our experiences with others. Let’s talk.

Strongly Disagree

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Neutral

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Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree

Strongly Disagree

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Graphic by Maliah White | The Shield Student participants in The Shield’s “Let’s Talk” student survery chose from a range of strongly disagree to strongly agree on various statements. 110 students participated.

LET’S TALK SPORTS

THE SHIELD | NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM

Uncertain faculty speak about DI feasibility

BY SHELBY CLARK, JOSH MEREDITH and IAN YOUNG

University administration and athletic department are working to investigate the feasibility of transitioning university athletics from Division II to Division I. University athletics was asked to join a NCAA Division I conference by a conference commissioner in August.

President Ronald Rochon and Ronald Romain, Board of Trustees Chair, decided to explore this possibility.

The final decision will be made by the Board of Trustees. If the they decide to transition, they will make a bid in January.

Rochon announced the study Sept. 27, 2021. Later, he formed the Division I Exploratory Committee composed of 25 campus community members and hired PICTOR Group to investigate the feasibility of the university transitioning to non-football Division I. Rochon spoke to the Faculty Senate Oct. 8, 2021, about the feasibility study. He said no decisions have been made, and this is just a study.

“I have folks who are extremely euphoric just screaming about ‘why is it taking so long?’ ‘When is this happening,’” Rochon said. “Then, I’ve got other folks who are ready to form some kind of a resistance movement.”

Faculty at the meeting expressed concerns about the financial cost of transitioning to Division I. If the university makes a bid for Division I, the application will cost the university around $1.6 million. The university athletic department is paying PICTOR Group $18,000 for their report.

“Most non-football DI programs supplement their athletic budgets with fairly sizable student fees,” said Kim Delaney, vice chair of Faculty Senate.

“Our students are already a little cash strapped, quite frankly.”

Crystal Steltenpohl, assistant professor of psychology, said in addition to the application cost, the university will have to upgrade facilities, hire more athletic staff and many more unforeseen costs.

“My worry is as much as we say that we’re doing this for the students that the students are going to get lost in this,” Steltenpohl said.

The Counseling and Psychological Services are understaffed to support the students who need help, Steltenpohl said. She said faculty and staff are currently overwhelmed doing additional work that’s not included in their job descriptions.

Shannon Pritchard, associate professor of art history, said the university needs to focus more on the people who are still at the university.

Pritchard said, “There are so many things that need to be taken care of here on campus—I don’t care if they approached us, it doesn’t mean we have to respond.”

Rex Strange, chair of the Faculty Senate, is on the Division I Exploratory Committee. He said, “I’ve been asking, has anyone said anything positive about Division I?” Strange said he was skeptical about Division I. “I’m not passionately against it.

Definitely not passionately for it,” Strange said. “I actually wish I was not on this committee.”

What’s it like being a student athlete?

Tyler Henry, sophomore guard and business administration major.

Photo by Josh Meredith | The Shield

“The togetherness is amazing. It’s just a community full of athletes and academic people who strive to be great, and I think that’s something that we embody at USI.” -Tyler Henry

Sidney Hegg, senior middle blocker and English teaching major.

Photo by Josh Meredith | The Shield

“The opportunity to be a student athlete is definitely a blessing. It can be overwhelming, but you have your team standing behind you to pick you up when you fall down.”

-Sidney Hegg Graphic by Maliah White | The Shield Student participants in The Shield’s “Let’s Talk” student survery chose from a range of strongly agree to strongly disagree on various statements.

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LET’S TALK MENTAL HEALTH

THE SHIELD | NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH Q&A Call someone you love.

Annahlise Roby, junior kinesiology major.

BY MAGGIE VANZANT and SHELBI FRANK Da’Jour Howard, sophomore psychology major.

Calista Hazelip, senior PR and advertising major.

Take a walk outdoors.

Make a list of 3 things that brought you joy today.

Set aside an hour of your day for your hobbies.

Turn off your social media notifications for the day.

Give out 3 sincere compliments.

Treat yourself to your favorite food.

Make your bed.

Pick up 5 things in your room.

Make a list of all the things you love about yourself.

Put together an outfit that makes you feel confident.

Organize your digital files.

Rewatch a favorite childhood movie.

Give a gift to a friend.

Meditate for 10 minutes.

Photo by Maggie VanZant | The Shield

Photo by Maggie VanZant | The Shield

Q: Do you believe that mental health days Q: What are some ways that you personshould be considered excused absences? ally combat stress during the school year?

Photo by Bethany Wire | The Shield

Q: Do you think that talking about mental health is important? Why or why not?

A: Yes because everyone needs a day to themselves without being punished.

A: Usually, I just hang out with friends just to like take a break. We go offcampus and shop or go sit at the riverfront that’s usually peaceful.

A: Absolutely! When people don’t talk about mental health at all, it can be hard for them to process what’s going on.

Sanaa Jackson, sophomore elementary education major.

Alden Crosby, junior business administration major.

Kaitlyn Knox, freshman exercise science major.

Go to bed an hour earlier.

Cut your screen time in half today.

Start a show you’re been putting off.

Make a list of everything you are looking forward to.

Create a favorite song playlist.

Go somewhere you’ve never been.

Take a nap or stop to rest.

Reach out to an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while.

Take an hour break from technology.

Write a letter to your future self.

Reorganize your closet or dresser.

Track your water intake for the day.

Look at old family photos or videos.

Wake up an hour earlier to do something relaxing.

Put yourself first all day.

Photo by Maggie VanZant | The Shield

Q: What is your favorite way to relax during the school year whenever you’re stressed?

A: I think surrounding myself with other people who just, you know, give you a boost of serotonin.

Photo by Maggie VanZant | The Shield

Q:Does talking about mental health come naturally to you?

A:Yeah, I’m okay with it, I’m open about it. I mean, everyone struggles with it and everyone likes to talk about it.

Photo by Maggie VanZant | The Shield

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is feeling anxious or depressed this semester?

A: Say to surround yourself with good people that make you feel happy and like bring out the best in you.

LET’S TALK MENTAL HEALTH

THE SHIELD | NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM

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Students and faculty discuss campus mental health resources

BY ALEXIS DONNER and FALLON HEADY

Students and faculty are discussing the pressing issue of mental health following the recent deaths of two university students and the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were three mental health focused events on campus between Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 2021. The studentled mental health panel, faculty mental health webinar and mental health town hall all stressed the importance of talking about mental health.

The student-led mental health panel, hosted by Active Minds, and Pott College Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Oct. 25, 2021, encouraged open conversation about emotions and resources to help struggling students.

“When people think about mental health, they think it’s not that big of a deal,” said Brianna Aldana, sophomore elementary education major, at the mental health student panel. “Mental health is just as important as your physical health.”

“Student Mental Health: What Faculty Need to Know” Webinar Oct. 27, 2021, addressed the importance of faculty and staff ensuring students feel comfortable talking about mental health and suicide. The meeting also listed mental health resources available to students such as the Counseling and Psychological Services and the Dean of Students Office.

Recent talk on campus has led students and faculty to question if more resources are needed to combat the mental health crisis on campus.

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Committees of the College of Liberal Arts and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education hosted a town hall meeting Nov. 1, 2021, to discuss mental health and whether the campus resources are adequate.

“I don’t think adequate is a good word,” said Sam Preston, assistant director of Public Safety. “We can always do better.”

With more students facing mental illness, CAPS has been booked with appointments leading to longer wait times for students seeking counseling.

Allie Rusk, a freshman accounting major, said it took two weeks before she could see someone at CAPS because of the high demand. “I think having more counselors on campus would help.”

Aside from in-person counseling, CAPS provides students access to TalkCampus, an app that allows university students to provide each other support across the globe. This tool was recommended to Connor Keeling, a freshman accounting major.

“I don’t think relying on other peers who are also struggling in their own ways is a good idea,” Keeling said.

“It’s a nice resource, but I think the majority of people need more help than that.”

Keeling said, “One of the hardest things I have done since being here is trying to support my friends emotionally when I’m trying to manage my own depression and anxiety.”

“You never know what someone else is going through,” Rusk said. “It’s good to know one, you’re not alone, and two, there are resources out there that can help you.”

Photo by Shelby Clark | The Shield Summer Skelton speaks on a student-led panel about the importance of mental health Oct. 25, 2021.

Graphic by Maliah White and Shelby Clark | The Shield Student responses to open-ended questions in The Shield’s “Let’s Talk” student survey.

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LET’S TALK DIVERSITY

THE SHIELD | NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM

Students talk about awareness in diversity

BY CASEY CLARK

Chief Copy Editor

A young woman attends a campus open dialogue event concerning Latinidad issues.

Veronica Portillo, a senior health services and communication studies major, feels uncomfortable in this setting as she does not fit the stereotypical description of a Mexican. She worries she will be shut down for her light skin and lack of fluency in Spanish.

“I just think USI should have more conversations about stereotyping,” Portillo said.

“You know, misclassification and identity.”

Portillo said people assume she is Italian because of her last name in combination with her light skin, and she feels pressured to choose between her two identities.

“They’re like, ‘Well, you can’t be Hispanic you’re white,’” Portillo said.

“Or you know, I look white, so that’s all I can be.”

This pressure to choose between two identities forces people to erase a part of who they are, Portillo said.

The United States is a melting pot, but people are only seeing a whitewashed representation of themselves.

To counter the pressure she feels, Portillo said she is embracing her family’s heritage by learning about her background. She is also president of USI Spanish Club.

“A lot of people think that diversity is just learning about another culture,” Portillo said. “But I feel like you have to put yourself out there to learn about the history and to learn about these

Photo by Josh Meredith | The Shield Gulaiym Bolatova, Nicold Bazán and Fatimah Albahrani drink lassi and chat in the Liberal Arts Building during Diwali: The Festival of Lights hosted by the South Asian Student Association Nov. 4, 2021.

“I just think USI should have more conversations about stereotyping.”

-Veronica Portillo

different identities and the issues that come with those.”

Anmoldeep Singh, junior biochemistry major, was born in India and spent his early childhood years in New York City. He said moving to Indiana was a culture shock since he was used to being surrounded by diversity.

Singh said he was at first surprised by the lack of diversity on campus, and he felt left out because people at the university are predominantly white.

However, once he looked for diversity, he said he quickly realized inclusion is a big message at the university.

“I have found you kind of have to look for it,” Singh said. “And when you do, you can find a lot of diversity

and definitely a lot of different organizations and groups of people.”

Singh said it was not a bad thing the university was different than he expected.

He said he still wants the university to promote and bring more awareness to diverse campus organizations.

“I don’t think it’s a huge issue, but I think it’d be nice to have events to promote knowledge and awareness of different backgrounds,” Singh said.

Singh said he started the South Asian Student Association on campus to bring more awareness about South Asian culture.

“I think this organization is definitely a step in the right direction because I think diversity is always a good thing,” Singh said.

Phoebe Cornell, a junior social work major and gender studies minor and president of Sexuality and Gender Alliance, said the university needs to promote the LGBTQ community.

“We don’t have a lot of visual representation,” Cornell said. “For example, you don’t see anything on campus that tells you this is a safe space or this is a LGBT inclusive campus.”

Cornell said creating safe study spaces, gender neutral bathrooms and hiring diverse staff in the counselling center and as professors would create a welcoming environment. They said students of diverse backgrounds won’t feel represented since all of the staff seems to fit the same mold.

Cornell said the classes for her gender studies minor are understaffed, and she doesn’t know when she’s going to be able to finish her minor.

“And these are classes that actually teach about diverse experiences.”

Professors also need to be careful when publicly asking students’ pronouns, Cornell said. This may be forcing a trans person to out themselves in an environment they’re not comfortable with doing so.

To be respectful of pronouns, Cornell said professors should encourage sharing pronouns over email instead of asking in front of the whole class.

“I think it’s just a lot of being aware,” Cornell said. “You may not always realize what’s going on around you, but taking note of someone’s pronouns can be a very simple action that makes someone feel better.”

LET’S TALK INTERNATIONAL

THE SHIELD | NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM

America through the eyes of an exchange student Kinza Fatima is an international exchange student from Balochistan, Pakistan. Fatima is in her third year studying international relations in Pakistan. She is studying abroad from Pakistan in the United States for the Fall 2021 semester. She is studying cultural anthropology, social problems, English rhetoric and American politics at the university. Fatima enjoys social activism, writing and traveling. She hopes to travel to more countries in the future. Below is Fatima’s story about her semester at the university.

BY KINZA FATIMA

Guest Contributor

Photo by Josh Meredith | The Shield Kinza Fatima smiles outside The University Center.

I am honored to be studying in the USA this semester as a cultural exchange student. Even though I am here studying for just one semester, I got to learn, relearn and unlearn so many things that have overwhelmingly changed my life.

I hail from a small valley of gingerbread mountains of Balochistan, Pakistan. Since I was very young, I have loved studying maps, history and the undiscovered places of the world. Reading about countries has always fascinated me. Therefore, I decided to choose International Relations as my major.

Since I came here, I have been excitedly curious to discover the United States. Who wouldn’t like to go to New York, Florida, Chicago, Los Angeles when you come to the USA? I traveled across the country side of the US on the train. The landscapes of the US are heaven on earth, filled with great plains, meadows, farms and cornfields.

I toured around the West Coast, which got me in awe of how magnificently diverse the US is. I experienced the lifestyles of people living on the West Coast and East Coast.

Campus life at USI has given me memories that I could use to write an ode to the beautiful people and friends I have made here. The campus is surrounded by the scenic beauty of nature, and it has always fascinated me. The plethora of trees, gardens, flowers and lakes are therapeutic.

I have also joined many student clubs like the Sociology Club, Philosophy Club, International Club and Student Christian Fellowship. Once a week, I join in intellectual engagements with my professors to enlighten our minds.

I also volunteered at the Evansville Rescue Mission and Thrive to teach kids about art, history, science and develop our cross-cultural understanding. I also went to church to learn about the religious rituals of Americans. I made some good acquaintances there.

I believe that I have been experiencing many cool things living in the midwest state of the USA. It is fascinating for me to witness actual American cultural values and the lifestyle of people. I have felt so connected by sharing my stories and culture with my American friends, who are always curious about Pakistan. I have made countless memories here so that Evansville has become my second home sweet home.

I now have a whole new perspective about the world. I have fresh ideas about my future, and when I go back to Pakistan, I will teach people about the things I learned in the United States.

This exchange program has increased my understanding of how we all are connected and how we could bridge the gap by creating cultural acceptance without compromising our history or traditions. The exchange of culture has always inspired American life.

My American teacher told me the practice of Halloween came from Irish people. Another American teacher said that the bicameral government of the United States came from the British.

One of my American friends told me the tradition of Christmas trees came from Germans.

Being a cultural exchange ambassador, you don’t just know others well, but you know yourself too—the authentic self. By sharing our stories, we can enrich the lives of others.

SHIELD LEADERSHIP

Shelby Clark

Editor-in-Chief

Cobi Schieferstein

Business Manager

Uday Lomada

Managing Editor

Josh Meredith

Chief Photo Editor

Casey Clark

Chief Copy Editor

Maggie VanZant

Engagement Editor

Maliah White

Design Editor

Sydney Lawson Lifestyle Editor

The Shield is a designated public forum and the student publication of the University of Southern Indiana.

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LET’S TALK ENVIRONMENT

THE SHIELD | NOVEMBER 18, 2021 | USISHIELD.COM

Life with Lawrence

BY ELIZABETH HARRIS Cartoonist

Sharks are often feared due to shark attacks in the media, but sharks are vital to the ocean ecosystem and are worth saving. Pollution in the ocean is a major problem affecting sharks, mainly due to single-use plastics. People can help by using reusable materials for grocery bags and water bottles.